Challenges facing the print industry

The print industry in the UK has faced a number of challenges in recent years, and the current economic situation is also having an impact.

Rising costs

Unquestionably the biggest challenge faced by the printing industry right now is the issue of ballooning costs.

Print has always been a relatively high cost industry, with the cost of paper, ink, printing equipment and freight continuing to rise. Additionally, print publications have faced challenges in distribution and delivery, which can add to their costs.

Digitalisation

With the rise of digital media and online publications, traditional print media has struggled to keep up. Consumers are increasingly turning to digital sources for news, information, and entertainment, leading to declining sales and revenue for print publications.

Changing consumer behaviour

People's reading habits have changed over time. Many consumers now prefer to get their news and information on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Print publications have found it challenging to attract and retain readers in this changing landscape.

Environmental concerns

The print industry has come under scrutiny for its impact on the environment. Many consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability and are looking for more eco-friendly alternatives to traditional print media.

It is not, of course, a challenge faced by the printing industry alone, but the print industry has a complex relationship with sustainability. From an environmental perspective, it is a sector that, from papers to vinyl to inks, has been resource intensive. However, that is now changing. Eco-friendly inks, recycled papers and plastics are helping to nudge the industry away from virgin materials.

Competition from social media

Social media platforms have become an important source of news and information for many people, and they are increasingly competing with traditional print publications for readers and advertising revenue.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the print industry, with many publications experiencing a drop in advertising revenue and a decline in print sales as people were unable to access physical copies due to lockdowns and restrictions.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom! Printers, along with many other industries, have had to adapt. Success in the face of such challenges isn’t simply a question of bringing in new print jobs – it’s also about bringing in the right print jobs.

Here at Bright Green, we work with a range of printers and can recommend the right printer for your print campaign. From short runs within a quick timescale to longer runs using the latest technology, we’ll make sure you’re campaign has the most impact.

Get in touch to see how we can help.